Late fall is peak season for deer crashes in New England. Deer are on the move during their breeding season, the days are shorter, and the busiest commuting hours now fall right at dawn and dusk. A collision with a deer can total a car in seconds and leave drivers and passengers hurt.
This article covers when deer crashes are most likely, what to do right after you hit a deer, and how insurance usually handles the damage and your injuries. If you were hurt in a crash, contact DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers at 617-600-0000 for a free consultation.
What Should You Do After Hitting a Deer?
- Pull over safely, turn on your hazards and call 911 if anyone is hurt or the car is in the road.
- In Massachusetts, report the crash to the Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075.
- Do not approach an injured deer. A frightened, injured animal can cause serious harm.
- Take photos of your car, the road and the animal if it is safe.
- Call your insurer. Damage from hitting a deer is usually covered under comprehensive coverage, if you carry it.
- Get medical care. In Massachusetts, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) helps pay medical bills no matter who was at fault.
When Are Deer Crashes Most Common?
According to MassWildlife, white-tailed deer breed from late October to early December, and moose breed in September and October. During this time, deer move more than usual and bucks often chase does across roads without stopping.
The crash data backs this up. MassDOT data shows that 25% of reported deer and moose collisions from 2018 to 2022 happened in November alone. Nearly half (48%) happened between October and December.
Deer are most active at dawn and dusk. After the clocks change in November, that lines up with many people’s drive to and from work.
How To Avoid Hitting a Deer
- Slow down at dawn and dusk, especially on wooded and rural roads.
- Watch for deer crossing signs. They mark areas where crashes have happened before.
- Use high beams on dark roads when no one is coming the other way. Deer eyes often reflect light.
- If you see one deer, expect more. Deer often travel in groups.
- Brake firmly, but do not swerve. MassWildlife warns that swerving can lead to more risk and damage than hitting the deer, such as running off the road or into oncoming traffic.
- Brake for moose. Moose are less likely to move out of the way. They are also tall and heavy, so a crash can send the body into the windshield.
What Does Insurance Cover After a Deer Collision?
How your claim is handled depends on what happened and which coverage you carry.
| What Happened | Coverage That Usually Applies |
|---|---|
| Your car hit the deer | Comprehensive coverage, which the Massachusetts Division of Insurance says covers contact with animals |
| You swerved to avoid a deer and hit a tree, guardrail or another car | Usually collision coverage, since your car hit an object |
| You or your passengers were hurt (Massachusetts) | Personal Injury Protection (PIP), up to $8,000 per person, regardless of fault |
| Another driver hit you after a deer crash | The other driver’s liability insurance may apply, depending on fault |
Both comprehensive and collision coverage are optional in Massachusetts, and both usually carry a deductible, often $500. If you only carry the required coverages, the damage to your own car may not be covered. You can read more in the Division of Insurance’s guide to optional coverages.
The difference between comprehensive and collision can matter. A collision claim may be treated as an at-fault accident in some cases, while a comprehensive claim for hitting an animal generally is not. This is one reason MassWildlife’s advice not to swerve matters for your wallet as well as your safety.
Can Anyone Be Held Responsible for a Deer Crash?
Usually, a crash with a deer is no one’s fault. But some deer-related crashes do involve another driver’s carelessness, for example:
- A driver who was following too closely rear-ends you when you brake for a deer.
- A driver who swerves into your lane to avoid an animal.
- A driver who was speeding or distracted and hits a car stopped after a deer crash.
In those cases, you may have a claim against the other driver. Massachusetts uses a comparative negligence rule, so you can recover as long as you were not more at fault than the other side.
Mistakes To Avoid
- Swerving to miss the deer. It often causes a worse crash.
- Standing in the road after the crash. Secondary crashes are a real danger, especially in the dark.
- Skipping a doctor visit. Neck and back injuries are common in sudden stops and impacts.
- Assuming a deer crash means you have no options. If another driver played a role, you may have a claim.
How DiBella Law Can Help
- Review your policy and explain which coverage applies to your damage and injuries.
- Help you use your PIP benefits for medical bills and lost wages.
- Investigate whether another driver shares fault in a multi-car crash.
- Deal with the insurance companies while you focus on recovery.
- Handle claims in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
We work on a No Win, No Fee basis. You pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Common FAQs About Deer Collisions
Call 911 if anyone is hurt or the vehicle is blocking traffic. MassWildlife also asks drivers to report deer and moose collisions to the Massachusetts Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075.
Usually, yes, if you carry comprehensive coverage. The Massachusetts Division of Insurance says comprehensive coverage pays for damage caused by events other than a collision, including contact with animals. Comprehensive is optional and usually has a deductible.
MassWildlife advises drivers not to swerve to avoid a deer, because swerving may lead to more risk and damage than hitting the animal. Brake firmly, stay in your lane and keep control of the car.
November. MassDOT data shows that 25% of reported deer and moose collisions from 2018 to 2022 happened in November, and 48% happened between October and December.
Contact a Massachusetts Car Accident Lawyer Today
A deer crash can leave you with car repairs, medical bills and questions about insurance. If another driver made things worse, or if you are struggling to get your claim paid, we can help. Every case is personal. Call DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers at 617-600-0000 to schedule your free consultation.